Newcastle coach Eddie Howe addresses Anthony Gordon absence amid Bayern transfer talks

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed that uncertainty over Anthony Gordon's future amid links to Bayern Munich has influenced the forward's recent exclusion from the side.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Anthony Gordon may have played his last game for Newcastle United amid heavy speculation linking him with a move to Bayern Munich.

Despite being fit and available, Gordon watched Newcastle's last two games from the bench.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, head coach Eddie Howe confirmed that the decision to leave out the England international was made with an eye on the future.

“When you get to this stage of the season, part of what we will be doing we'll be looking to next year, naturally, so yes,” Howe said.

"Anthony's just come back from injury. I think the team has played well in his absence and with a partial view to the future, yes."

Amid reports of negotiations between Bayern Munich and Newcastle over a potential summer move for Gordon, Howe had no new information to share.

"No, nothing, no updates from me. These are discussions that potentially might be happening, but not with me."